About Us
The Gentles Agency specializes in building mutually beneficial relationships between companies and stakeholders. We drive growth through our experience managing stakeholder relationships, and succeed by being relentlessly responsive to our client needs. It’s just what we do. With a combined 50 years of client and corporate success we understand how to work with you as an outside agency or strategic corporate partner. That means we bring the capabilities to fully manage your corporate communications, public relations, event production, public affairs and government relations strategies. We work with a number of strategic partners across the country to deliver our full suite of services, all lead by the principles of The Gentles Agency.
Meet The Principals
Karl Gentles, APR, MBA
Partner, Client Strategy
Karl Gentles leads the agency’s client strategy. With 30 years of corporate, political and nonprofit experience in the Phoenix community, Gentles experience spans multiple industries including banking, economic development, public policy, healthcare, construction, packaged foods, and others. Karl specializes in government relations and public affairs, strategic and corporate communications, media and political strategy.
Prior to forming the agency, Gentles served in executive leadership positions at USAA, Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), Bank One, and began his career as a staff assistant for U.S. Senator John McCain. In 2020, Gentles ran for U.S Congress to represent Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District.
A two-time Sun Devil, Gentles earned his master’s of business administration and bachelor’s of science in organizational communication from Arizona State University. His community involvement includes an appointment to the Arizona Corporation Commission, Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee; Arizona Venture Development Corporation; Arizona Community Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Initiative; Morrison Institute for Public Policy; and Grand Canyon University Business College Advisory Board; amongst others.
Carla Gentles, MBA, PhD
Partner, Client Services
Carla Wright Gentles leads the agency’s client services, operations, and event production. In addition to her keen business acumen, Carla has a strong passion for serving others. A 29-year retired Army Reservist she worked her way up to the position of First Sergeant/Course Manager. She earned the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Commendation Medal and was nominated for the Non-commissioned Officer of the Year award. Here specialties include corporate social responsibility; corporate, nonprofit, and private philanthropy; and event production and management.
Carla’s current and previous community service includes her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Arizona Community Foundation, Black Philanthropy Initiative; Top Ladies of Distinction; sustaining member of the Junior League of Phoenix; Lockheed Martin Leadership Association; and the Metropolitan Arts Council of South Carolina. She has been honored as a member of the National Dean’s List and both Who’s Who Among American Business Women and Who’s Who Among International Management.
Carla earned her PhD in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and is also an adjunct professor at the Colangelo College of Business. She earned her master’s degree in business administration from Webster University, bachelor’s of science degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina, and her associate’s degree in fashion merchandising from Bauder Fashion College.